Ryuta Suzuki
1. Congratulations on winning in the Global Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
Thank you very much for this opportunity. I am delighted to receive this award. I felt joy when my work was praised after sharing it on social media. I never imagined I would grow to the point of selling printed works and holding two solo exhibitions in Tokyo over the past few years. Participating in contests has been an important part of building my portfolio and confidence.
2. Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
This Horsefly is carnivorous and ferocious. With its streamlined body, it moves at high speed toward its prey to capture it. It was a tense moment, capturing its “battle-ready stance” on camera. Winning this award contributes to my track record and confidence, making this single photograph both insignificant and yet immensely significant.
3. How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
I select works that I believe bring out the charm of those insects and flowers to the fullest.
4. What first made you pick up a camera?
When I photographed flowers, several people complimented me on how skillfully I did it.
5. What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
Macro photography. There is joy in bringing a world that cannot be seen unless you look for it to those who have yet to discover it.
6. What’s your go-to camera setup, and why does it work best for your projects? What’s your favorite feature?
SONY ILCE-7RM3 + SEL90M28G The peace of mind and reliability only genuine products can provide.
7. If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
It's "Beautiful". That's all there is to it. For those who dislike insects and the like, I want to create beauty as art—something that might help ease their feelings, even just a little.
8. What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
Since it's my policy not to use focus stacking, I focused on maximizing the depth of field while being careful not to end up with commonplace colors or appearances.
9. Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
In nature, insects, flowers, and unpredictable weather.
10. Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
Nothing in particular, but photography was the medium that allowed me to express myself without hiding.
11. What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
We especially encourage those without a foundation or track record as photographers to participate. Even just one award makes it easier to explain your work during exhibitions, and that single achievement demonstrates your recognized skill to others. Also, to achieve results, carefully study the work of others. Then, look for areas where you can improve.
12. What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
First, shoot however you like. Nothing starts without shooting, and there's nothing to be ashamed of, so just shoot.
13. What role do editing and post-processing play in your creative workflow?
It is essential for achieving a more polished result. It also fosters a mindset to shoot as close to the final form as possible.
14. How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
It's not a bad thing at all, so I hope it can be put to good use. However, there are always those who will inevitably use it for evil, so it's a double-edged sword.
15. If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
For us Japanese living in Japan, winning prizes in photo contest or competition is not a common thing. I believe there are still many places outside of Japan that we are unfamiliar with, so I wish I could go out there and photograph as much as I can while participating in photography awards like this.
